Students in the Guttenberg School District this year are finding out that doing the right thing can be rewarding. That’s because Superintendent of Schools Michelle Rosenberg has instituted a positive behavior recognition system to honor good gestures and practices. “The students start with 30 points that promote character building and positive behavior,” Rosenberg said. She will complete her first full year in her post next month.

From that point, more points can be added if the students “go above and beyond” what is expected of them, the superintendent said.

“It’s an incentive for kids to do better and be better behaved,” the superintendent explained earlier in the school year. “For positive reinforcement, for students that do what is above and beyond expectations, they can earn positive points. Those students that have 40 or more positive points will be honored at this ceremony as well.”

But points can also be deducted for “discipline infractions.”

“If a student falls below 15 points, they are considered ‘restricted,’ ” Rosenberg said, “meaning that they are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities, trips, etc.”

Those with higher “plus” totals are eligible for quarterly awards.

_____________ “It’s an incentive for kids to do better and be better behaved.” – Schools Superintendent Michelle Rosenberg____________

In the past, the only honor that existed was Student of the Month, for those with academic achievement or improvement, according to supervisor Nicholas Remondelli. But the award was problematic.

Rewards for all actions

“You could only get it once and that was it,” he said. “And that doesn’t reinforce consistent, positive behavior.”

With the new system, children are rewarded for myriad reasons; helping a teacher, cleaning up in the lunchroom, or even picking up a book dropped by a schoolmate.

“They can be rewarded for even something like turning in a wallet,” said Donna Grzybowski, educational leader, “for good citizenship, good deeds, and concern for other students in the building.”

“We met with the kids, and one of the things we tried to impress was it’s easier to get the 40 than the 15,” Remondelli said.

Students take to program

The students responded overwhelmingly, and three awards observances, honoring a total of 235 students, were held recently; Dec. 17 for grades 1-2, Dec. 18 for grades 3-6, and Dec. 19 for grades 7-8. The students were lauded there, and their parents were invited to attend. The first event was held even on a day with a couple inches of snowfall.

At the events, students that received honors and high honors were awarded certificates, according to Rosenberg. Those who had received at least 10 positive points and maintained them all marking period were honored as “good citizens.”

Building on initiative

The system is designed to encourage those who didn’t reach the honor levels this time to strive for them next.

“The classmates know that day when their classmates are called out of class to attend the ceremonies,” Remondelli said. “Our hope is it’ll grow from here.”

“It’s about building pride with kids and involving the parents,” Remondelli said. “Then having them come in and celebrate with their children.”

Rosenberg said that the school district would also “stand firm” on its discipline policy this year. Not adhering to it could cost student athletes playing time if they are not meeting “behavior and academic standards.”